Thousands Turn Out In Sweltering Heat For Councilwoman's Birthday Bash For The Homeless
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The sweltering heat didn't stop thousands of people from attending City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell's Annual Birthday Bash for the Homeless at Love Park.
There were plenty of hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments for people who waited patiently in a line that snaked through Love Park.
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell has been throwing this outdoor bash on her birthday for the last 16 years primarily for the homeless and the hungry, but also some close friends.
"We invite judges, we always invite my colleagues in Council, the Mayor as well as people who live here in Love Park and live on the streets and inhabit our shelters," she explains. "[It's all] just to have fun, just to know that we are all one big family and we love one another and we care. That's what it's about."
Along with the food, Blackwell recruits health care advocates to come out and provide information and services to those in need.
